Design animation background

MMPDB401
Competence

RQF Level: 4 Learning Hours

90
Credits: 9

Sector: ICT and Multimedia

Trade: Multimedia Production

Module Type: Specific

Curriculum: ICTMMP4001-TVET Level 4 in Multimedia Production

Copyright: © Rwanda TVET Board, 2023

Issue Date: May 2023

Purpose statement At the end of this module the trainees will be able to apply advanced design
techniques specific to background design, such as creating depth, using lighting
and color effectively, establishing atmosphere, and crafting realistic or stylized
environments.
Learning assumed Create 2d Props design, Layout Design, Storyboarding, Lighting
to be in place
Delivery modality Training delivery 100% Assessment Total 100%
Theoretical content 30% 30%

Practical work:
 Group work 30% Formative
and 50%
70% assessment 70%
presentation
 Individual 40%
work
Summative Assessment 50%

Elements of Competency and Performance Criteria

Elements of Performance criteria

competency
1. Create mood board 1.1. Script has been properly interpreted based on the visual requirements

1.2. General mood has been accurately noted down according to the script

1.3. Reference materials have been effectively gathered according to the

visual requirements

1.4. Mood board has been efficiently produced in accordance with the visual
requirements

2. Develop concept art 2.1. Thumbnails have been suitably created according to the background
visual requirements
2.2. Composition, styles and colour schemes have been accurately carried
out based on background visual requirements
2.3. Toning styles and highlights are properly applied based on background
visual requirements
2.4. Preliminary sketches are accurately produced according to the
background visual requirements
3. Block out the scene 3.1. Composition have been properly established according to visual
requirements
 3.2. Light perspective and colour schemes have been effectively established
according to visual requirements

3.3. Overlying elements have been efficiently placed according to visual

requirements

3.4. Block out layout have been Adequately produce based on visual
requirements

4. Apply refined 4.1. Designing software have been properly selected according to the
details project requirement

4.2. Visual components (Details, Texture, Light elements) have been neatly
applied on fore, middle and background in accordance to elements of
art.

4.3. Visual depth has been properly created according to element of design.

4.4. Refined scene has been efficiently produced in accordance with visual
principles.

5. Apply background 5.1. Background effects have been thoroughly identified according to visual
effects principles

5.2. Special background effects have been effectively developed according

to visual requirements

5.3. Special background effects have been properly applied according to

visual requirements

5.4. Final background has been excessively produced according to

principles of art and design

6. Export artwork 6.1. Files have been suitably prepared according to next level of production

6.2. Export formats have been properly chosen according to. Next level of
production

6.3. Final artboards have been precisely exported in accordance with next
level production

6.4. Exported files are correctly named and sorted according to the next
level of production
 Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude

Knowledge Skills Attitude

 Storytelling  Still life drawing  Action oriented

 Screenwriting Format  Gesture and figure drawing  Attentive
 Genre Awareness  Communication  Cooperative
 Visual Writing  Conceptualization and  Courageous
 Industry Knowledge ideation  Decisive
 Copyright and Legal  Versatility in design  Faithful
 Considerations  Flexible
 Goal oriented
 Honest
 Humble
 Innovative
 Observant
 Patient
 Polite
 Problem solving
 Punctual
 Responsible
 Self-confident
 Self-motivated
 Skilful

Course content

Learning outcomes At the end of the module the learner will be able to:

1. Create mood board

2. Develop concept art
3. Block out the scene
4. Apply refined details
5. Apply effects
6. Export artwork
Learning outcome 1: Create mood board Learning hours: 10

Indicative content
 Description of script
 Script elements
 Script interpretation techniques
Textual Analysis
Character Analysis
Subtext Analysis
Dramatic Structure Analysis
Theme Exploration
Contextual Research
Collaborative Discussions
Rehearsals and Experimentation
 Script breakdown
Read and Familiarize
Scene Breakdown
Location Breakdown
Character Breakdown
Props and Set Dressing Breakdown
Costumes Breakdown
Makeup and hair Breakdown
Special Effects Breakdown
 Noting down general mood of story
 Role of mood in story
 Difference types of moods
 Introducing mood boards
 Mood board description
 Mood board types
Physical mood board
Digital mood board.
 Element of Mood board
Images
Colors
Textures
Typography and other visual elements.
 Digital Mood Board Tools
 Graphic Design Software (Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, Krita)
Online Mood Board Platforms (Milanote and Pinterest)
Mood Board Apps (Morpholio Board and Canvas)
 Physical Mood Board Tools
Corkboard or Bulletin Board
Foam Board or Poster Board
Scissors, Glue, and Tape
Markers, Pens, and Labels
 Collection of reference materials
 Reference materials
Observation
Books and Magazines
Online Platforms
Art Galleries and Museums
Travel and Exploration
Nature
Historical and Cultural References
Collaboration and Networking
Personal Experiences and Emotions
 Importance of reference materials for research.
 Producing mood board
 Organize and arrange mood board visual element
Compositions
Placements
Sizes
Typography
texture swatches
Sketches
written words or quotes
 Review and refine
 Digitize (optional)
 Display and share
 Resources required for the learning outcome

Equipment Computer, Sketch pad

Materials Notepad, Pen, Internet, Paper, Pencil, Eraser
Tools Editing software (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Procreate,
Krita), Pen tablet
Facilitation techniques  Demonstration
 Practical exercise
 Trainer guided
 Group discussion
Formative assessment  Performance assessment
methods /(CAT)  Product based assessment

Learning outcome 2: Develop concept Learning hours: 15

art

Indicative content

 Introducing concept art

 Purpose of concept art
 Creation of thumbnail sketches
 Description of thumbnail
 Creating thumbnail
Identify Key Elements
Select an Eye-Catching Image
Crop and Resize
Add Text and Graphics
Enhance Visual Appeal
Maintain Consistent Branding
Test and Evaluate
Update and Iterate
 Carrying out Composition, styles and color schemes
 Introduction of composition techniques
Rule of Thirds.
 Leading Lines
Framing
Symmetry
Asymmetry
Golden Ratio
Diagonal Composition
Fill the Frame
Negative Space.
Depth
 Application of Styles
Minimalist
Bold and Dynamic
Playful or Whimsical
 Application of Color schemes
Contrast
Brand Colors
Color Psychology
 Application of tone styles and highlighting
 Toning Styles
Grayscale Toning
Limited Color Palette
Atmospheric Perspective
High Contrast
 Highlighting Techniques
Direct Lighting
Rim Lighting
Specular Highlights
Light and Shadow Patterns
 Producing preliminary sketches
 Detailing and Annotation
 Presentation and Feedback
 Selecting and Finalizing Concepts
Resources required for the learning outcome
Equipment  Computer, Sketch pad
Materials  Notepad, Pen, Internet, Paper, Pencil, Eraser
Tools  Editing software (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Procreate,
Krita), Pen tablet
Facilitation techniques  Demonstration
 Practical exercise
 Trainer guided
 Group discussion
Formative assessment  Performance assessment
methods /(CAT)  Product based assessment

Learning outcome 3: Block out the Learning hours: 15

scene

Indicative content

 Introducing scene block out

 Scene block out role.
 Scene block out techniques
Basic Shapes and Forms
Silhouette Studies
Thumbnail Sketches
Blocking and Gestures
Grid or Layout Guides
3D Block Outs
Digital Painting or Rendering
Collage and Mixed Media
 Establishing composition
 Application of composition techniques
Rule of Thirds.
Leading Lines
Framing
Symmetry
Asymmetry
 Golden Ratio
Diagonal Composition
Fill the Frame
Negative Space.
Depth
 Establishing Light perspective and color schemes
 Light perspective
Light Sources
Highlights and Shadows
Gradation
Atmospheric Perspective
 Color schemes
Monochromatic
Complementary
Analogous
Triadic
 Placing overlying elements
 Importance of placing overlying elements
 Common Techniques for placing overlying elements
Layering
Transparency and Opacity
Alignment and Proximity
Contrast and Color
 Arranging key element of the scene
 Break down the key elements
Stage or Set
Actor Movement
Stage Directions
Choreography
 Application of scene block out techniques
Levels
Sightlines
Composition
Emotional Flow
 Resources required for the learning outcome

Equipment  Computer, Sketch pad

Materials  Notepad, Pen, Internet, Paper, Pencil, Eraser
Tools  Editing software (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Procreate,
Krita), Pen tablet
Facilitation techniques  Demonstration
 Practical exercise
 Trainer guided
 Group discussion
Formative assessment  Performance assessment
methods /(CAT)  Product based assessment

Learning outcome 4: Apply refined Learning hours: 15

details

Indicative content

 Selection of designing software tools

 Operating system
Windows - Based design software
Mac-Based design software
 Hardware requirements
Processor (CPU)
RAM (Random access memory)
Storage
Graphics card
 Applying Visual components
 Color Palette
 Background Textures
 Midground Textures
 Foreground Textures
 Background light
 Lighting and Shadows
 Motion Effects
 Depth of Field
  Particle System
 Atmospheric Effects
 Atmospheric Effects
 Creation of Visual depth
 Visual depth introduction
 Application of Visual depth techniques
Overlapping
Size and Scale
Perspective
Value and Contrast
Colour and Warm/Cool Contrast
Detail and Focus
Resources required for the learning outcome

Equipment  Computer, Sketch pad

Materials  Notepad, Pen, Internet, Paper, Pencil, Eraser
Tools  Editing software (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Procreate,
Krita), Pen tablet
Facilitation techniques  Demonstration
 Practical exercise
 Trainer guided
 Group discussion
Formative assessment  Performance assessment
methods /(CAT)  Product based assessment

Learning outcome 5: Apply Background Learning hours: 30

effects

Indicative content

 Introduction to background effects

 Identification of background effects Importance
 Special background effects development
 Creation and implementation of background effects
 Conceptualization
Pre-visualization
Simulation and Animation
Lighting and Shading
Rendering
Iteration and Refinement
 Application of effects techniques
 Lighting and Shadows
 Atmospheric Effects
 Particle Systems
 Water and Fluid Simulation
 Environmental Effects
 Special Lighting Effects
 Parallax Scrolling
 Animated Textures
 Camera Effects
 Special Transitions
Resources required for the learning outcome

Equipment  Computer, Sketch pad

Materials  Notepad, Pen, Internet, Paper, Pencil, Eraser
Tools  Editing software (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Procreate,
Krita),
Facilitation techniques  Demonstration
 Practical exercise
 Trainer guided
 Group discussion
Formative assessment  Performance assessment
methods /(CAT)  Product based assessment

Learning outcome 6: Export artwork Learning hours: 5

Indicative content
 Preparing file for next level of production
 Organizing Layer
Logical and hierarchical structure
Merging or flattening
Hiding
 Choosing color Mode
RGB
CMYK
Grayscale
Index colour mode
Lab (CIE Lab*)
 Choosing file format
 File Compatibility
 File Compression
 Export Final artboards
 Naming Convention
Project name
Location
Artboard name
Resources required for the learning outcome

Equipment  Computer, Sketch pad

Materials  Notepad, Pen, Internet, Paper, Pencil, Eraser
Tools  Editing software (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Procreate,
Krita), Pen tablet
Facilitation techniques  Demonstration
 Practical exercise
 Trainer guided
 Group discussion
Formative assessment  Performance assessment
methods /(CAT)  Product based assessment
 Integrated/Summative assessment

Integrated situation
Art studio is a production company located at Kigali/Rwanda, specializing in creating fantasy-themed films,
animations, or visual effects. They focus on developing and producing content that transports viewers into
imaginative worlds filled with magical creatures, mystical landscapes, and epic adventures.
due to their heavy workload they are unable to complete client’s projects on time. As Animation
background artist you are requested to design Animation background for a fantasy adventure scene set in
a magical forest, script is already written.
Instructions
1. Produce mood board for this project
2. Produce preliminary sketch
3. Final Scene must have
 Elements (Trees and Foliage, Sunlight and Shadows, Magical, Wildlife, Water Features, Mystical
Structures and Atmospheric Effects) as me
 HD Resolution (920*1080)
 File format PSD /AI/EPS
N.B: As a competent as Animation background artist you are requested to finish the mentioned
activities within 8 hours
Resources
 Editing software (Adobe Illustrator, Adobe photoshop, Procreate,
Krita)
Tools
 Pen tablet
 Other online supporting assets (graphics and images)

 Computer
Equipment
 Sketch pad

 Notepad
 Pen
 Internet
Materials/ Consumables
 Paper
 Pencil
 Eraser

Assessment criteria Marks

Assessable Observation
(Based on allocation
outcomes Indicator
performance criteria) Yes No
1.1. Interpretation of Script is broken down 2
Learning outcome script
1. Create mood 1.2. Noting down Moods are noted 1
board General mood
(5%) 1.3. Gathering Reference materials are 1
Reference Presented
materials
1.4. Producing Mood Physical/digital mood 1
board board is produced

Learning outcome 2.1. Creating of Thumbnails are create 3

2. Develop concept thumbnails
art 2.2. Carrying out Shapes are arranged 1
(10%) Composition, styles Compositions styles are 1
and colour applied
schemes Colour schemes are 1
applied
2.3. Application of Tone Tone styles are applied 2
styles and Highlighting techniques 2
highlights are applied
Learning outcome 3.1. Establishment of Composition techniques 3
3. Block out the composition are applied
scene 3.2. Establishment of light perspectives are 3
(20%) light perspective and stablished
colour scheme Colour schemes are 2
established
3.3. Placement of Layers are placed 2
Overlying elements Transparency and Opacity 2
are applied

Alignment and proximity 2

are applied

Contrast and colour are 2

applied

3.4. Production of Scene key elements are 2

blocked out scene broken out
Scene block out 2
techniques are applied
Learning outcome 4.1. Selection of Design software are used 1
4. Apply refined designing software
details 4.2. Application of visual Textures are applied 1
(20%) elements
Lights are applied 2
 Motion effects are applied 2

Depth of filed is applied 2

Particles system are 2

applied

Atmospherics effects are 2

applied

4.3. Creation of visual Overlap are applied 2

depth
Size and scale are applied 2

Perspective is applied 2

Valued and contrast are 2

applied
Learning outcome 5.1. Development of Trees effect are developed 5
5. Apply effects
Background Foliage effects are 5
effects developed
(40%)
5.2. Application of effect Lighting and shadow are 5
applied

Sunlight effect are applied 5

Magical effect are applied 5

Water Features effects are 5

applied
Mystical Structures effect 5
are applied
Atmospheric Effects are 5
applied
Learning outcome Preparing files Layers are organized 1
6. Export artwork
RGB Colour mode is 1
(5%)
chosen

Choosing export format PSD/AI/EPS is chosen 1

Exporting file Location is chosen 1

Artboard is named 1
Total marks ….
Percentage Weightage 100%
Minimum Passing line % (Aggregate): 70%

References

1. Freeman, M. (2007). The Photographer's Eye: Composition and Design for Better Digital
Photos. Massachusetts: Focal Press.
2. James, T. (2009). Script Analysis for Actors, Directors, and Designers. Tokyo : Focal
Press.
3. Lynch, R. (2009). The Adobe Photoshop CS4 Layers Book. Waltham, Massachusetts:
Focal Press.
4. Melanie, F. (2015). The Mood guide to fabric and fashion. New York: STC Craft.
5. Rohde, M. (2012). the illustrated guide to visual note taking. San Francisco: Peachpit
Press.
6. Tomas Akenine-Moller , Eric Haines. (2002). Real-time rendering. Natick,
Massachusetts: AK Peters.
7. Williams, R. (2002). The Animator's Survival Kit. London: Faber & Faber.